GQ’s Next Editor & A Vanity Fair Temp Check - pucks-the-powers-that-be Recap

Podcast: pucks-the-powers-that-be

Published: 2026-01-17

Duration: 1 hr 11 min

Guests: Jessica Testa, Michael Grynbaum

Summary

The episode investigates the editorial shifts at Condé Nast, focusing on Will Welch's departure from GQ and the broader implications for the company's major titles. It also examines the potential future direction for GQ and Vanity Fair under new leadership.

What Happened

Will Welch's departure from GQ marks a significant editorial change at Condé Nast, as he joins Pharrell's company in Paris. Welch brought a focus on fashion enthusiasm and niche markets, avoiding general interest style, and was once considered a potential successor to Anna Wintour's roles. Now, the search for his replacement includes candidates like Willa Bennett, Sam Hine, and Adam Badawi, with speculation about whether GQ might appoint its first female editor.

The discussion also covers the broader changes happening at Condé Nast, with new editors at Vanity Fair, Vogue, and GQ in a short span. Michael Grynbaum notes that editor changes at such prominent publications used to be front-page news, highlighting the evolving media landscape. The legacy culture at Condé Nast is shifting, as the company navigates criticism and successes like The New Yorker and Wired's aggressive journalism.

Vanity Fair under Mark Guiducci has seen some notable successes, including a piece on the Trump White House that resonated in Washington. The magazine's Hollywood issue has also explored themes of men and masculinity, echoing GQ's recent editorial direction. This indicates a potential alignment in content focus among Condé Nast's flagship publications.

Condé Nast's cultural and editorial shifts are a reflection of the changing media environment, where managing up and strategic thank-yous to figures like Stan Duncan, Roger Lynch, and Anna Wintour are common practices. This culture is part of the company's broader strategy to maintain its luxury brand image while adapting to new leadership styles.

The episode touches on historical moments, such as Graydon Carter's 2017 departure from Vanity Fair, which was a significant event in media circles. Condé Nast's past, including the shuttering of Gourmet magazine in 2009, continues to influence its present, as evidenced by journalists applying for the Gourmet trademark to create a worker-owned publication.

Jessica Testa and Michael Grynbaum bring their insights into Condé Nast's editorial landscape, highlighting the company's potential to tell a positive story amid its challenges. The episode concludes by contemplating the future of these legacy publications and the evolving roles of their editors in shaping the media narrative.

Key Insights